Al Qareem Not For Passing With Cumberland Lodge Hat-trick

Al Qareem made it 3 successive wins in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot with the type of figured out front-running performance that has actually become his hallmark.


Karl Burke's stalwart has actually now won 12 of his 34 races, claiming over ₤ 700,000 in cash prize for his owners, the Nick Bradley Racing syndicate.


While never ever permitted to entirely do his own thing in front, Clifford Lee kicked for home early in the straight to make it a genuine stamina test, and although Hamish seemed travelling strongly it quickly became clear Al Qareem had plenty left.


The evergreen six-year-old (9-4), galloped on powerfully despite the to win by 6 lengths from Tenability, a stablemate of Hamish, who stayed on for second.


Burke said: "He put up a fantastic, tough performance. We know he's a brave horse and he went hard.


"I said to Clifford do not be scared to go hard, particularly out of Swinley Bottom, as he could nick a few lengths and get the others at it since all he does is keep galloping. You can do that over a mile and a half on soft ground and whereas one-mile-six is most likely his real journey, anything above that he just runs out of endurance.


Al Qareem won the Cumberland Lodge for a 3rd time (Steven Paston/PA)


"He's an excellent warrior and it's a terrific outcome."


Burke, who also won the Sun Chariot at Newmarket with Fallen Angel, continued his extraordinary current run of big-race success when Native Warrior (9-4 favourite) took the ₤ 180,000 BetMGM Challenge Cup.


Jamie Spencer was on board, just as he was when winning another important prize over course and range last month.


Burke stated: "It was a fantastic efficiency and he's always threatened to do what he's done in his last 2. I think the visor has made the difference and Jamie on the straight track at Ascot is a master.


"Everything has fallen right for him the last twice and he will return to Ascot now for the Balmoral on Champions Day.


"He'll have a 6lb charge however remains in excellent form at present."